POSTAGE STAMPS were originally used merely to indicate that the cost of carriage had been paid.
NOW ISSUED by almost every country, their designs celebrate the achievements of nations, signify the hopes of peoples, commemorate great men and women, advertise attractive sights and activities, or serve as reminders of history.
THE COLLECTION of stamps has become a world-wide hobby, because they inform or remind, and introduce many interests for further exploration.
STAMPS can be mounted on album leaves, collected loose in stock books, or arranged and annotated in special displays to suit personal needs.
POSTAGE STAMPS are often triumphs of art and printers’ craft. The many and varied designs provide keys to the understanding of other peoples and places, so that collectors find that knowledge grows and appetite is increased. THE HOBBY is above all an individual one. Collection can cover the whole world. Or one or two countries, or illustrate an already established personal interest.
COMPANIONSHIP with others sharing the same interest is a feature of stamp societies, and is a considerable help in collecting. Catalogues, magazines and handbooks are available for consultation and guidance.
changed March 23